Course Description

Background

Ruby on Rails is a powerful open-source web framework that enables you to build sophisticated web applications - fast! More importantly, it's optimised for programmer happiness and productivity! It lets you write beautiful code by favouring convention over configuration, and eliminates so much of the drudgery associated with building web applications. And with the current high demand for experienced Ruby on Rails developers, there's never been a better time to learn Ruby and Rails.

What you need to be familiar with

Although no prior knowledge of Ruby or Rails is required, you will need experience in a web programming language such as php, asp, .NET, Java or Python, as well as a general understanding of web development principles, including HTML/CSS, Javascript, GET/POST requests, redirects, etc. Ruby is an object oriented language so you will also need an understanding of the theory of object oriented programming. Finally, a familiarity with SQL and relational databases is also desirable.

What we won’t cover

This course is aimed at giving you a general grounding in Ruby and the various components that make up a Rails application. There is a lot to take in, so we will only briefly cover some of the more advanced aspects of the Rails framework such as internationalisation, the new asset pipeline and caching. Rest assured though that you will be provided with the necessary experience and knowledge to dig deeper into these advanced topics as and when you need to.

Software and costs

Ruby and Rails are open-source, as are all the supporting libraries that we shall be using. Other than that, all you will require is a text editor or IDE that you are familiar with using

Equipment you’ll need

You will need a computer, ideally a laptop, preferably running Linux or OS X (Running Ruby and Rails on Windows is easier than it's ever been, but it's not without it's problems)

REQUIRED preparatory work

To get the most from the sessions, you will need to have Ruby, Rails and a few other supporting libraries and programs installed on your computer BEFORE the sessions. Don't worry, you will receive comprehensive instructions before the course on how to get your computer set up with everything that is necessary.

Course Syllabus

This is a three day intensive course, running Wednesday 30th November - 2ndDecember 2011, 9am - 5:30pm

Full details of the syllabus will follow in the next few weeks.

Learning Outcomes

This is a "bootstrap" course aimed at giving you the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to build and deploy your very own Rails applications from scratch. It will cover the most recent versions of Ruby (1.9.2) and Rails (3.1).

You will learn:

the basics of the Ruby language

how to build a Rails application from scratch using Rails best practices

how to manage your database with migrations

how to build complex models using ActiveRecord, including associations, validations and callbacks

how to enhance your UI using Rails' built-in support for unobtrusive JavaScript and AJAX

how to quickly add functionality and extend your Rails applications using third-party plugins and gem libraries

all about REST and how following RESTful conventions leads to code that is easier to develop and simpler to follow

about TDD (Test Driven Development) and how Rails helps you quickly and easily write tests to validate your applications behaviour

the options and best practices for automated deployment for quick, headache-free deployment and updating of your apps.

Course Delivery

16 Places are available on this course.

It will be lead in-person by the tutors. You are encouraged to confer with other participants on the day for support and to develop your learning. There is no coursework or assessment on this programme.

Price & Payment

The full 3 day course costs £570 for the full day, payable in advance via PayPal only (note, we cannot provide VAT receipts)

Included in this price is a hot buffet lunch, with vegetarian options (please notify us if you have other dietary requirements)

Additionally, you will receive an electronic copy of the teaching materials, software, and programmes we write on a USB stick.

Dates & Times

Wednesday 30th November - Friday 2ndDecember

9am - 5:30pm

Tutor Biography

Ric Roberts is the founder of Swirrl, a company which makes tools for working with data online. He's an active blogger and founder the popular JavaScript bloghttp://dailyjs.com, and more recently http://learnlinkeddata.com. He has also previously written for one of the most popular Ruby blogs - http://rubyinside.com. For the last couple of years Ric has been the Technical Lead at award-winning Manchester digital agency Stardotstar, but is now a Freelancer for hire specialising in Ruby and JavaScript.

Asa Calow

Asa Calow is a Ruby on Rails veteran, having worked on and deployed projects using the framework since version 0.9 in 2004 - back when its creator DHH was barely out of school, the simplest Rails project needed a Babel-like stack of infrastructure to get off the ground and Kelis' "Milkshake" ruled the charts. Since then he has worked continuously with both Ruby and Rails, and is presently a contractor/gun for hire whose bread-and-butter work is frequently although not exclusively Rails-based.

About the MadLab

Location

The MadLab is on Edge Street, in the Northern Quarter of Manchester, a ten minute walk from Piccadilly or Victoria train stations.

It is easy to walk to from the main transport hub around Piccadilly Gardens, and there are plenty of independent coffee shops in the area for early birds.

Aims

Established in late 2008, the MadLab is a not-for-profit organisation providing space, infrastructure and and outlet for the region’s digital and creative communities. We bring in some of the most interesting people are projects from around the world, run workshops and themed technology and arts days, and host exhibitions with our partners. A “youth club for adults” where you can learn and share with like-minded individuals.